Kuala Nerus: An oceanography expert from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) said the recent discovery of a torpedo-shaped metallic object on Seberang Takir Beach, Kuala Nerus has raised “a little concern”, regarding the possibility of the projectile and its function.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, UMT pro vice-chancellor (strategy, performance and corporate) Prof Ts. Dr Mohd Fadzil Mohd Akhir mentioned that torpedo-shaped marine research devices, known as Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV), are commonly used for oceanographic research. These devices, also referred to as Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV) or Undersea Drones, are believed to have dual purposes, serving both marine research and military functions.
Dr Mohd Fadzil explained that AUVs have been developed since the mid-2000s and are now widely used as they simplify data collection. In the past, researchers had to physically collect data by going out to sea, whereas now AUVs can be remotely controlled like drones. The primary concern, he noted, is the potential for these tools to be used for unauthorized entry into the waters of other countries.
He confirmed that the torpedo-esque metallic object found by the public at Seberang Takir Beach did not belong to UMT. Last Sunday, Kuala Terengganu police chief ACP Azli Mohd Noor reported that a member of the public had discovered a 2.7-meter-long missile-shaped object. Upon inspection by the bomb disposal unit, it was determined that the 70-kilogram object was not explosive and was cleared of any radioactive material, being identified instead as a marine research device worth approximately RM1 million.
While it remains uncertain whether the equipment was intentionally deployed for data collection or accidentally washed ashore by the Northeast Monsoon waves, Mohd Fadzil emphasized the significance of the find, especially given similar discoveries in neighboring countries. On December 30 of the previous year, a similar object was found by a fisherman in the Philippines and was believed to be a Chinese ocean glider UUV. This object was handed over to Philippine authorities for further investigation.
In addition to the Philippines, several AUV discoveries have been recorded in Indonesia in recent years, raising concerns about the potential military uses of such devices, including seabed mapping and data collection for intelligence purposes. Seabed mapping is particularly significant for military operations, as it can identify submarine routes.
Dr Mohd Fadzil concluded by highlighting the importance of vigilance regarding AUVs, especially those originating from certain countries. He noted that while some devices have been discovered, many more could be operating undetected, posing a challenge for monitoring and control.